Adept Materials’ Lilypad pairs latex paint and primer to absorb indoor humidity and gradually release it into the room, potentially limiting dampness that can encourage mold. The early-stage product is in a pilot with the Boston Housing Authority.
The paint’s proprietary nanomaterial desiccant draws water from the air, while the primer helps release it into the room rather than the wall. Founder Derek Stein said the idea was inspired by transpiration, the way plants move and release water.
A kit with one gallon each of primer and paint costs $175; Fast Company reported that only “hundreds” had sold, citing the product’s novelty. Fast Company named Lilypad a 2026 Innovation by Design Awards winner in materials and biodesign. It could complement, rather than replace, ventilation, dehumidification and other mold-prevention strategies.
